The Institute of Customs and Freight Forwarding (ICFF) has been recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), formalising its role in awarding professional designations for customs, freight forwarding and supply chain practitioners.
“The recognition of the ICFF by SAQA is a first of its kind. It is a milestone for the freight forwarding sector that is preceded by many sacrifices, unwritten stories and tireless efforts,” says ICFF chairperson Devlyn Naidoo.
The announcement follows ICFF’s launch of professional designations in supply chain management in May. At the time, the association said it had submitted a framework to SAQA to support designations in customs, freight forwarding and supply chain management, intended to give formal recognition to career pathways in a sector where many practitioners have built their expertise through operational experience but do not hold formal qualifications.
The supply chain designations cover four levels: Supply Chain Junior Practitioner at Level 1, Supply Chain Senior Practitioner at Level 2, Supply Chain Management Practitioner at Level 3 and Supply Chain Expert Practitioner at Level 4. The junior and senior levels include logistics, planning and warehousing streams.
“The new designations reflect the growing importance of integrated supply chain strategies in today’s global economy. They equip professionals with advanced skills in planning, warehousing, distribution and risk management, ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of modern commerce,” says ICFF chief executive officer, Ingrid du Buisson.
